Centuries before Captain James Cook discovered Hawaii in 1778, Polynesian immigrants arrived here in hand carved canoes. By the early 1800's bigger ships came, and the town became a major whaling center. The town's most striking landmark, a giant banyan tree is the largest tree of its kind in the islands.
The architecture of Lahaina is colonial with wooden buildings proudly displaying their date of origin. A local prison, built in 1853 built to lock up delinquent sailors, is one of the many landmarks you'll visit on the self guided walking tour.
While charming seaside Lahaina celebrates its past, today Lahaina is an exciting destination, offering a broad variety of restaurants, shops and entertainment.